If you get COVID-19, your symptoms may be mild. If so, you can recover at home as you would from the flu — by getting enough rest, staying well hydrated, and taking medications to relieve fever, aches and pains. Contact your doctor if you have symptoms that would usually result in your making an appointment, including fever, cough and shortness of breath.
Antiviral medications
Antivirals work to prevent viral infection and spread. Some antiviral medications can be taken orally at home, while others need to be administered intravenously in a hospital setting. Both are only available by prescription and are intended for treatment of certain high-risk patients experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Contact your primary care doctor to learn more.
Reducing a hyperactive immune response
A cytokine storm is a strong immune response that releases excessive amounts of proteins that trigger inflammation. Current recommendations use traditional anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids to slow and stop a damaging immune reaction.
Treating complicating symptoms
In some patients, an overactive immune response can damage organs. Treatment of these pathologies may include supplemental oxygen for difficulty breathing or intravenous antibiotics for sepsis.
